World number one Luke Humphries made an emphatic start to the 2025 Premier League season, dismantling Chris Dobey 6-1 to claim victory on opening night in Belfast. However, despite his dominant performance, Humphries insisted that Luke Littler is currently the best player in the world.
Fresh off his World Masters triumph on Sunday, Humphries delivered a clinical display, hitting 86% of his doubles and producing three checkouts over 100 in his all-English showdown with Dobey.
His path to the final was not without drama trailing 4-3 in the semi-final against Michael van Gerwen, Humphries capitalized on the Dutchman’s struggles on the doubles, sealing victory in a deciding leg after Van Gerwen missed a match dart at the bullseye.
“This is one of the toughest Premier League seasons in a long time” Humphries reflected. “Nights like this are never guaranteed, so you have to make the most of them when they come.”
Earlier, Van Gerwen edged out Luke Littler in a thrilling 6-5 quarter-final. Despite the loss, Littler’s average of 113.91 was the highest ever recorded at the venue and the second-highest losing average in the history of the competition.
“He is by far one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen” Humphries said of Littler, who he defeated to claim the 2024 world title. “I’m not putting myself down, but I truly believe he is the best player in the world. If he gets knocked out, then I become the man to beat but he is definitely the one everyone is chasing.”
Meanwhile, Dobey also mounted an impressive comeback in his semi-final. Down 4-3 against 2018 world champion Rob Cross, he produced a sensational 170 checkout, winning three consecutive legs to book his place in the final.
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